Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove Review

First Impressions of Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove

The Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove promises to be a lightweight, form-fitting glove designed specifically for hunters, particularly bow and turkey hunters. I was intrigued by the claim of unmatched feel and control, along with the promise of enhanced grip without sacrificing dexterity – a balance often hard to strike in hunting gloves. Priced at $35.95, it sits in a competitive segment, making it crucial to evaluate its performance against similar offerings.

My need for these gloves stemmed from a frustrating experience last turkey season. I struggled to operate my calls effectively while wearing bulky gloves to combat the morning chill.

Upon receiving the Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove, I was immediately impressed by the sleek design and the feel of the 4-way stretch fabric. The material felt soft and pliable, suggesting a comfortable fit. The synthetic leather palm seemed to offer a good balance of grip and tactile sensitivity, and the overall construction appeared solid.

Compared to my existing Sitka Gear Traverse Gloves (known for warmth) and my Mechanix Wear gloves (known for dexterity), the Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove seemed to occupy a sweet spot between the two. The Sitka gloves are great for warmth but lack dexterity; the Mechanix gloves offer great dexterity but minimal warmth. My initial thought was the Ridge Runner would give me both. My first impression was one of cautious optimism. This looked like a well-made glove that had potential to meet my needs.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove during a turkey hunting trip in early spring. The morning was crisp, with temperatures hovering around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and a light drizzle persisted throughout the hunt. I immediately appreciated the snug, form-fitting design, allowing for excellent dexterity while operating my slate and box calls. The synthetic leather palm provided a secure grip on my shotgun, even with damp hands.

The touchscreen compatibility of the index finger proved useful for checking weather updates on my phone without removing the gloves. However, the gloves were not particularly warm in the cool, damp conditions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including multiple hunting trips and some casual outdoor activities, the Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove has held up reasonably well. There are no signs of major wear and tear, and the stitching remains intact. The synthetic leather palm shows some minor scuffing, but it hasn’t impacted the grip.

Cleaning the gloves is straightforward; a quick hand wash with mild soap and air drying is sufficient. While the Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove outperforms my Mechanix Wear gloves in terms of warmth and grip, it doesn’t quite match the Sitka Gear Traverse Glove in terms of outright insulation. However, the Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove offers a far superior level of dexterity compared to the Sitka gloves.

Breaking Down the Features of Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove

Specifications

The Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove boasts several key specifications that contribute to its intended use:

• 4-way Stretch Fabric: This provides a second-skin fit and exceptional comfort, allowing for a full range of motion and minimal restriction. The stretch allows for easier movement, such as when nocking an arrow, chambering a shell, or using a diaphragm call.
• Brushed Interior Finish: The brushed interior creates a high warmth-to-weight ratio, trapping air and providing a layer of insulation against the cold. It also provides a soft next-to-skin feel, increasing comfort during extended use.
• Extended Cuff: The extended cuff design enhances comfort and concealment, providing additional coverage and preventing drafts from entering the sleeves. This can be beneficial when tucked into a jacket or long-sleeved shirt.
• Touch Screen Index Finger: This allows for convenient use of smartphones and other touch screen devices without removing the gloves. A helpful feature in the field for navigation, communication, and documentation.
• Synthetic Leather Palm & Non-Slip Fingers: The synthetic leather palm provides enhanced grip and function, even in wet or slippery conditions. The non-slip fingers offer additional control when handling firearms, bows, or other gear.

Performance & Functionality

The Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove performs admirably in its intended role as a lightweight hunting glove. The dexterity is excellent, allowing for precise movements when handling calls, firearms, and other essential gear. The grip is secure and reliable, even in wet conditions. However, the gloves are not particularly warm, and they are best suited for use in mild to cool temperatures.

The main strength of the Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove is its balance of dexterity and grip. The weakness is its limited insulation. It meets my expectations for a lightweight hunting glove but falls short in extremely cold conditions.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove is generally good. The materials used feel durable and well-constructed. The gloves are lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods. The ergonomic design allows for a natural and unrestricted range of motion.

The Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove is user-friendly and requires no learning curve. It slips on easily and provides a snug, comfortable fit right out of the box.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove appears to be reasonably durable. I expect it to last for several seasons with proper care. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional hand washing and air drying.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove does not come with any specific accessories or customization options. However, the gloves are compatible with various aftermarket glove liners for added warmth in colder conditions.

Pros and Cons of Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove

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Who Should Buy Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove?

The Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove is perfect for hunters, particularly bow and turkey hunters, who prioritize dexterity and grip over extreme warmth. It’s also a good choice for anglers who need a lightweight glove for handling fishing gear. It is also well-suited to casual outdoor enthusiasts looking for a comfortable and versatile glove for mild weather conditions.

Those who hunt in extremely cold climates or require waterproof gloves should skip this product. A must-have accessory for colder conditions would be a thin merino wool liner glove.

Conclusion on Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove

The Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove is a well-designed and functional glove that delivers on its promise of providing excellent dexterity and grip. While it’s not the warmest glove on the market, its lightweight and comfortable design, combined with its touchscreen compatibility, make it a valuable addition to any hunter’s or outdoor enthusiast’s gear.

At $35.95, the price is justified for the quality and performance offered. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a versatile glove for mild to cool weather conditions. If you value dexterity and grip above all else, the Fish Monkey Ridge Runner Glove is an excellent choice and I urge you to check them out!